Lawyers e-Journal

MBA forms task force to study improving foreclosure laws

The committee will focus on training attorneys to better assist foreclosure victims

The Massachusetts Bar Association has formed a Joint Foreclosure
Legislation Task Force, which strives to improve both the state's
foreclosure law and borrowers' access to assistance in the
foreclosure process. A collaboration among bar associations, legal
services, real estate attorneys and banker's associations, the task
force plans to draft a legislative proposal to modernize
foreclosure law in Massachusetts and ensure a fair and efficient
foreclosure process.

"The development of this task force comes at a critical time when
many Massachusetts residents are struggling to stay in their
homes," MBA President Denise Squillante said. "The MBA hopes this
new effort will result in a more streamlined foreclosure process in
Massachusetts - making it easier for both homeowners and their
attorneys to navigate the system."

The task force includes representatives from the MBA's Property
Law and Access to Justice sections, as well as the Real Estate Bar
Association of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bankers
Association, the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association,
Western Massachusetts Legal Services, and other real estate
practitioners.

"Piecemeal changes to the state's mortgage foreclosure laws over
the years have created a foreclosure process that is
incomprehensible to borrowers and disruptive to lenders trying to
comply with the law," said Beth Barton, task force chair and vice
chair of the MBA's Property Law Section. "The task force strives to
build a clear, open and understandable foreclosure process, from
the ground up, which will benefit both homeowners and
lenders."

In conjunction with the task force, the MBA has formed the
Foreclosure Education Committee to teach attorneys how to counsel
and advocate for individuals facing foreclosure. The free education
program will kick off on Oct. 28 with a seminar covering changes in
foreclosure laws. Click
here to R.S.V.P. The program will also be available
via MBA On Demand, an innovative approach to continuing legal
education that allows users to watch programming from the comfort
of their home or office. Seminars to follow will cover topics that
include HAMP Loan Modifications, Alternatives to Foreclosure and
others.

The task force will be led by:

Chair Elizabeth J. Barton, vice chair of the
MBA Property Law Section Council

Vice Chair Laurel H. Siegel, chair of the MBA
Property Law Section Council